Southern Tenant Folk Union release new CD with tour of Ireland, Feb. 2013

Thanks to Ann Marie Walsh of Novatone Music Media for the news that the Edinburgh-based band Southern Folk Tenant Union, well known to audiences here from their past tours, are due to release their new album Hello cold goodbye sun on 4 Feb., followed by a nine-date tour in Ireland. On the new album, with cover art by Belfast-based designer Jonny McClean, the band continues to explore the themes of dark present and dark futures - even the adapted Donald Ker poem 'Days by the seaside with ice cream' is 'darkly comic'.

Southern Folk Tenant Union are Adam Bulley (mandolin, tenor guitar, Ebow, vocals), Ewan Macintyre (harmonica, lead vocals), Carrie Thomas (fiddle, octave fiddle, lead vocals), Rory Butler (guitar, lead vocals), Chris Purcell (guitar, harmonica, lead vocals), Ailig Hunter (double bass), Pat McGarvey (5-string banjo, guitar, vocals), and Jed Milroy (clarinet, guitar, clawhammer banjo, vocals), plus guest percussionist Steve Fivey (cajon, djemebe). The dates of their Irish tour are:

Thurs. 7th: The Spirit Store, George’s Quay, Dundalk, Co. Louth; 8.00 p.m., €12; box office/info 042 935 2697, e-mail

Fri. 8th: Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett St., Ballina, Co. Mayo; 8.00 p.m., €15; tickets/info 096 73593

Sat. 9th: Briery Gap Cultural Centre, Macroom, Co. Cork; 8.00 p.m., €15; info 026 41793

Sun. 10th: Crane Lane Theatre, Phoenix St., Cork city; adm. free; onstage 12 midnight to 2.00 a.m.; info 021 427 8487

Tues. 12th: The Red Room, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone; 7.30 p.m., £10; bookings e-mail, 07747 120659 (after 6.00 p.m.)

Wed. 13th: Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim; 8.00 p.m., £9/7; bookings e-mail, 028 2766 0230

Thurs. 14th: The Crane Bar, 2 Sea Rd, Galway city; 8.00 p.m. €12.50 (€10 members); 091 587419

Fri. 15th: Upstairs in Whelan's, 25 Wexford St., Dublin 2; 8.00 p.m. €10 advance, €12 on door WaV box office 1890 200 078

Sat. 16th: The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary; 8.00 p.m., €15; box office 0504 90204